The Word Of God Is Holding You More Than You Are Trying To Hold Him
b) Fight the good fight knowing that and resting in the Truth is holding you more than you are trying to hold Him . With this new secure perspective, your prayers or Bible reading doesnt have to be about striving to achieve more blessings or a spiritual breakthrough. Instead, it can be a healthy discovery of your wholeness of grace and fellowship of God with you . Learn to delight in this wholeness mindset and it will naturally lead to new spiritual disciplines you actually want.
Stage: : Discontentment Can Lead To Despair
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed perplexed, but not driven to despair persecuted, but not forsaken struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:89
Responding poorly to lifes circumstances can bring us to a point of despair where we question why God has allowed these difficult circumstances and seemingly is not changing them. Throughout Scripture we see Gods people come to a point of despair wondering if He is there and if He cares. When we are struggling with depression we are usually asking why these circumstances are in our life.
Consider the words of David:
You know my reproach,and my shame and my dishonor my foes are all known to you.Reproaches have broken my heart,so that I am in despair.I looked for pity, but there was none,and for comforters, but I found none.
Psalm 69:1920
In our deep-seated discontentment, we look for comforters. Ultimately, God allows the discomforts of this world to remind us to come to him for comfort. However, we often turn to relationships, substances, food, sex, and entertainment for comfort. When those things dont satisfy, we go deeper into despair. We are searching for comfort and we not finding it.
In this stage, you may start struggling to do things that you want to do. At times even getting out of bed, brushing our hair, and performing basic necessities seem to difficult. Meeting a friend or going to church seems impossible and pointless. These are the lies of depression when despair sets in.
Moses Was Grieved Over The Sin Of His People
In his feelings of anger and betrayal from his own people, Moses, as a leader, was about ready to quit. He came down from his mountaintop experience with God, commandments in hand, only to find the Israelites in complete chaos and sin. His heart-cry to God on their behalf was desperate:
But now, please forgive their sin but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. Exodus 32:32
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Finding Hope With Christian Counseling
Theres no shame in needing help to recover from episodes of depression. While there are many Bible verses for depression and plenty of examples of people experiencing depression in the Bible, the hope offered by the Bible only goes part way towards helping you to recover.
Getting in touch with a Christian counselor is the logical next step when youre struggling with depression. Christian counseling gives you the opportunity to talk about your feelings and explore the reasons for your depression.
A Christian counselor brings a biblical perspective to counseling and can teach you skills for managing your depression. You can also delve deeper into what the Bible says about depression during Christian counseling sessions.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.
Bible Verses For Depression: Turning To The Word Of God For Hope
Are you one of the 300 million people worldwide who experience depression? Those pervasive feelings of sadness and hopelessness that come with depression are, unfortunately, very common, and symptoms can have a huge impact on your daily life. Depression affects you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and relationally and when youre in the midst of a depressive episode it can be hard to find even a shred of hope.
Everyone experiences depression differently and there are a variety of different treatment options. The effectiveness of medications for depression varies from person to person, too, so medical interventions dont work for everyone. The Bible, however, is an unchanging, dependable source of hope if youre experiencing depression.
There are many Bible verses for depression, and it can be helpful to realize that there are stories of some famous heroes experiencing depression in the Bible:
A common question is what does the Bible say about depression? Seeking Gods perspective about depression can help to alleviate intense feelings of sadness and despair. In this article, were going to explore 5 Bible verses for depression that can give you hope when your world seems bleak.
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Many Times Discouragement Is Because Of A Set Back In Our Life A Delay Or Difficulty In A Certain Goal
One quote that is so true in the Christian life is the quote that says, a minor setback for a major come back. Sometimes when something bad happens we pause for a second and think its over. I messed up Gods will or I was never in Gods will. Surely if I was doing Gods will I would have not failed.
Many times success looks like failure in the beginning, but you have to get up and fight! You have to keep on moving. Some of you just need to get up. Its not over yet! Before I started writing this article, I was outside being still before the Lord. I looked to my right and I noticed what seemed to be a very small centipede climbing up the wall.
It started climbing higher and higher and then it fell. I looked on the ground and it wasnt moving. 3 minutes went by and it still wasnt moving. I thought it was dead for a second. Then, the small bug turned from its side and started to climb the wall again. It didnt let a discouraging fall stop it from progressing. Why are you letting a discouraging fall stop you?
Sometimes the setbacks that happen in life are to build us and make us stronger in ways we dont understand at the moment. Its either discouragement is going to stop you or drive you. Sometimes you have to say to yourself its not going to end like this. Trust and move! Dont allow Satan to remind you of the past which leads to discouragement. Dont dwell on it. You have a future and it is never behind you!
Bible Verses For Depression To Encourage Hope And Faith
Bible Verses about Depression – Scriptures on Despair
We collected our favorite Bible verses for depression, to encourage you in times of despair as the Word of God is an excellent source of hope and comfort. Scripture can give us a powerful reminder of God’s love and compassion, also giving insight into the true purpose of suffering.
Find encouragement and gratitude in these powerful Bible verses for depression. Scripture can be a powerful source of inspiration and healing spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
A Prayer Against Depression: Heavenly Father, please strengthen our hearts, and remind us to encourage one another when the troubles of life start to overwhelm us. Please guard our hearts against depression. Give us the strength to rise up each day and fight against the struggles which seek to weigh us down. Amen.” – John Barnett
Browse the full collection of scripture quotes for depression in the list of Bible verses below:
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We Walk Through Our Challenges With A Wholeness Mindset Vs A Brokenness Focus
I love to remind people in this journey,
Were in a wholeness journey, not a brokenness one.
A brokenness mindset only begets more brokenness that leads to learned helplessness. These are states of being that leave you feeling hopeless and remove intrinsic motivators. However, a wholeness mindset will beget more wholeness that leads to learned-hopefulness.
Let’s review some scriptures that highlight who we really are with a wholeness in Christ mindset:
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Your breakthrough in Christ has already been fulfilled.Jesus already made a breakthrough once and for all, we are completely new and lacking in nothing, and no longer need to strive for more of God’s blessings or more spiritual breakthroughs. Yeah, you dont need to strive to a new level of faith, youre just learning to mature, grow in your faith. We are living out and growing from our new wholeness in Christ .
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The wholeness and oneness with God are fulfilled there is never any distance or separation. Jesus is at rest with us, and we are at rest with Him. He has already made us secure over-comers through faith . We are already resting in our eternal security, with no more striving to achieve more faith and freedom .
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“I’m satisfied with you.” Christ is already our security as the author, perfecter, and finisher of faith and our lives. He cares for us through all of our afflictions and trials. There is no need to achieve or impress Him to be free from our painful circumstances .
Discouragement Not A Sign Of Moral Failure
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I have yet to meet someone that does not struggle with discouragement. In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah the prophet was feeling discouraged, weary, and afraid.
After many battles, he too was fearful and depressed.
Jeremiah cursed the day he was born. He did not understand why he should see all the trouble and sorrow, and to end his days with shame.
Everyone gets weary of the battle. How we act upon our faith, is what helps us to become an Overcomer.
I was encouraged by this quote from Billy Graham, an American evangelist that was well known and loved by many people.
The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, O God, forgive me, or Help me.
Billy Graham
You can feel better fast from depression.
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The Lord Will Renew Your Strength
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint .
Few things sap your strength like depression or feeling anxious. Everything seems overwhelming and impossible. Even the most mundane acts require a massive amount of effort.
The good news is that God is in the business of giving strength to those who have none. He loves to sustain those who are fainting and give life to those who feel completely depleted. Wait for the Lord and he will give you life.
He has promised to renew your strength even though you dont feel it now. He has good things in store for you, and these Bible verses for depression are proof!
Helpful Resource:
You Must Be Patient As You Wait On The Lord
Sometimes we think it is taking too long and our impatience affects us. Most of the time the huge mountains in our life will not fall down in one day. We must trust in the Lord as He works. He is faithful and He answers at the best time.
19. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
20. Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
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Here Are 10 Bible Verses To Help You
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Here they are:
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
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Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Psalm 31:24
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 120:1
Inspiring Bible Verses About Discouragement
by Ryan Hart | Updated on January 20, 2022 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
In this post youll discover the most inspiring bible verses about discouragement.
In fact:
These are the same scriptures I read when I have low confidence or am feeling disappointed and need an energy boost. I hope these verses will help lift your spirits as well.
Ready to find out what the bible says about discouragement?
Lets get started.
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Bible Verses For Depression To Encourage You
Every year nearly 20 million adults are affected by some form of depression, making it one of the most common mental health problems in the United States. Depression can be debilitating and may lead to even more serious disorders, such as suicidal tendencies and extreme anxiety.
The good news is that there are a number of Bible verses for depression. Though the word depression is not a biblical word, depression in the Bible is often referred to by terms such as downcast, brokenhearted, etc. If you suffer from it, then meditating on the following Scriptures for depression could help you move through it to the light on the other side.
Scripture Quotes On Depression
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 143:7-8 – Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 30:5 – For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
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Jesus Is Our Example Of How To Fight The Good Fight Vs More Works To Prove His Faith
When the devil approached Jesus in the wilderness, he tried to tempt Jesus by questioning His identity in relation to his pain. If you notice, the questions were related to testing Jesus identity in order to create fear, tempting Him to prove Himself and even give up His identity for earthly glories.
The devil tempted Jesus by saying,
If you are the Son of God, then .
Jesus “fought the good fight” by resting in the Truth of who He was and His secure relationship with the Father, not by testing or proving it with works.
Jesus responded with the Truth,
It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test” .
Jesus rested securely in the true focus of who He is, His secure relationship IN THE Father, and His focus on earth was for us . Thus, Jesus endured the wilderness with intimate security, not a formula of a distant God.
As a result, the devil departed and Jesus returned from the wilderness in great power .
Maybe you will return from the wilderness in great power, too!
He Will Not Break You
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness, he will bring forth justice
Isaiah 42:3
In this Bible verse, we read that God will not break a bruised reed nor will He blow out a small flame. What is a bruised reed? It is a reed that is almost broken. What is a smoldering wick? A flame that has nearly gone out.
Sound similar to your feelings? Its easy to feel like you are about to burn out, or about to break when youre dealing with depression, but remember that God is there.
God will not break the reed, or blow out the flame. He is there to help nuture you and heal you.
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Weariness That Leads To Dismay
Weariness is one of the most prominent causes of discouragement. We can experience weariness physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In short, when we encounter difficult circumstances it becomes exhausting. We dont sleep well, so were physically tired. We concentrate too hard, weighing multiple options about our situation and become mentally fatigued. Emotions become hard to navigate and the spiritual burden becomes hard to bear. Weariness fuels discouragement and causes us to lose confidence in ourselves, others, and our circumstance.